Mary Karoro Okurut, the former minister and Bushenyi District Woman Member of Parliament, has passed away today (August 11, 2025).
A respected 
educator, author, and politician, Karoro Okurut held several key positions in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, including Minister for Information, Minister for National Security, and Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister.
News of her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the country, with many Ugandans, including senior government officials, taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to mourn her passing and celebrate her legacy.
The Minister of State for Primary Healthcare, Margaret Muhanga, expressed deep sorrow, writing: “With so much pain, grief & sorrow, I announce the death of my ‘bosom buddy’ Mary Karooro Okurut. My literature teacher, my mentor, my very close buddy, my world, my all. So painful to imagine. This is a sting I’ll never forget. May the angels receive her in glory.”
An author Herbert Sabiiti also paid tribute, stating: “It is with deep sadness that I learn of the passing of a mother, counselor, and teacher. Farewell, Mama Mary Karooro Okurut. Your impact and guidance will be fondly remembered.”
Renowned journalist Arinaitwe Rugyendo shared a personal message in Runyankore, recalling her generosity and encouragement:”Aiiiii Auntie Mary Karooro Okurut wanyita! Saddened by the loss of a humble patriot and teacher. When I went back to school in 2020, you gifted me a laptop when mine got stolen—I’m still using it. You believed in me. I had hoped you’d see me triumph next year! Requiesce In Pace!”
Karoro Okurut will be remembered not only for her service in government but also for her profound contributions to education and literature, as well as her mentorship to many across generations.
Who is Karoro Okurut?
Born December, 8, 1954, Karoro, was a distinguished Ugandan educator, author, and politician.
She held several influential positions in the Ugandan Cabinet, most notably serving as the Cabinet Minister in Charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, a role she assumed on 6 June 2016.
Before that appointment, she was the Cabinet Minister for National Security from 1 March 2015 to 6 June 2016, having replaced Wilson Muruli Mukasa, who transitioned to the Ministry of Gender and Social Issues.
Earlier, between 2012 and 2015, she led that same Ministry of Gender, stepping in after the resignation of Syda Bbumba.
Karoro Okurut also served as the elected Member of Parliament representing the Bushenyi District Women’s Constituency.
However, in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries of 2020, she lost the flag bearer position to Annet Katusiime Mugisha, who would go on to win the parliamentary seat in the 2021 general elections.
Born in Bushenyi District on 8 December 1954, she began her education at Bweranyangi Primary School before progressing to Bweranyangi Girls’ Senior Secondary School.
In 1972, she joined Trinity College Nabbingo for her high school education and, in 1974, entered Makerere University. She graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, followed by a Master of Arts in Literature in 1981 and a Diploma in Education in 1982, all from Makerere.
Her academic career began in 1981 when she started lecturing in the Department of Literature at Makerere University, a position she held until 1993.
Her transition into public service began when she was appointed Press Secretary to the Vice President from 1994 to 1996. She later served as Commissioner in the Education Service Commission from 1996 to 1999, and then as the Press Secretary to the President from 1999 until 2004, the year she entered active politics.
Karoro Okurut made a significant impact in Ugandan literature long before her political ascent. She was the founder of the Uganda Women Writers Association (FEMRITE), a platform that amplified the voices of female writers across the country.
FEMRITE gained international recognition, especially when member Monica Arac de Nyeko won the prestigious Caine Prize in 2007 for her short story “Jambula Tree.” Karoro Okurut’s own literary contributions include the novels The Invisible Weevil (1998) and The Official Wife, as well as her editorial work on A Woman’s Voice (1998), a compilation of stories by Ugandan women writers.
She was also the author of The Curse of the Sacred Cow.
In politics, her career spanned numerous ministerial roles. After entering Parliament in 2004 on the NRM ticket, she served as Minister of Information and National Guidance from May 2011 until May 2013, before taking on roles in gender, security, and general duties in the Office of the Prime Minister.
Mary Karoro Okurut was married to the late Stanislaus Okurut, who passed away on 5 April 2014.
Together they had eight children, five sons and three daughters.
A devoted Protestant, she was widely respected both for her contributions to public service and for her role in elevating Ugandan literature.
SEE YOU UNTIL TOMORROW!
